Kavanagh: Beating Temirov Puts Me Back at the Top

Lone'er Kavanagh believes a win over Ramazan Temirov at UFC 333 will put him right back in flyweight title contention. Speaking at UFC 333 media day, Kavanagh said a statement victory over the undefeated-in-the-UFC Uzbek would restore him to the top of the division after a rocky 2025.

Kavanagh enters the October 24 card in Abu Dhabi with a 10-2 professional record and a 3-2 mark inside the UFC. He opened his run with two clean decision wins before Charles Johnson handed him his first career loss. He rebounded in spectacular fashion in February, upsetting former champion Brandon Moreno, only to get submitted in the third round by Brandon Royval in a fight that still earned both men Fight of the Night at UFC 329.

Temirov presents a different kind of problem. The 3-0 UFC flyweight hasn't lost since 2019 and is coming off a knockout of Steve Erceg. Kavanagh isn't downplaying any of it. "I did watch his performance, it was a very good performance," he said, adding that Temirov's march up the rankings made the matchup obvious. "He wants to climb up the rankings, and I was the next step."

Why Kavanagh Sees This as a Title Eliminator

Kavanagh framed the Temirov fight as his fastest route back into the top five. He credited his opponent's finishing instincts, noting Temirov's 13 first-round finishes, calling him a "respectable opponent." But he made clear he expects to be the one making the statement. "A win in a spectacular fashion here puts me right back at the top," Kavanagh said.

That matters in a flyweight picture that's already sorting out its next title challenger. Kavanagh expects Manel Kape to get the next crack at champion Joshua Van regardless of how his own fight goes, and he isn't betting against the champ. "You can't bet against Josh Van anymore," Kavanagh said.

Betting Angle

The oddsmakers see this one as close as Kavanagh's words suggest it should be. Sportsbooks have priced Kavanagh-Temirov right around a pick'em, with some books listing Kavanagh a shade favored near -112 and Temirov close behind around -108. That tight number reflects the swingy nature of both careers: Kavanagh has alternated statement wins with brutal losses over his last four outings, while Temirov has yet to be tested against UFC-level durability the way Erceg and others have pushed him. For bettors, that volatility is the story. A pick'em line on a flyweight bout with finishing threats on both sides points toward live, round-by-round and method props carrying more value than the straight moneyline.

Kavanagh has shown he can beat a former champion and shown he can get finished by a determined grappler in the same calendar year. Temirov hasn't had to answer either question yet in the UFC. That gap in information is exactly why the market hasn't picked a clear side.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Lone'er Kavanagh and Ramazan Temirov fight?

Lone'er Kavanagh faces Ramazan Temirov on the UFC 333 main card on October 24 in Abu Dhabi.

What is Lone'er Kavanagh's UFC record?

Lone'er Kavanagh is 10-2 overall and 3-2 inside the UFC heading into his flyweight bout with Ramazan Temirov at UFC 333.

Why does Lone'er Kavanagh think beating Temirov matters?

Kavanagh said a win over the undefeated-in-the-UFC Ramazan Temirov would put him back in the flyweight top five after bouncing between upset wins and tough losses in his last two fights.